Choosing your child's name
General
As parents, you can choose the surname of your first child. It may be your own surname, that of your partner or a combination of the two. If you wish to arrange this before the birth of the baby, you can make an appointment by telephone. Or you can do it when you register the birth.
What you need to bring with you
A valid identity document for both partners.
Please note
You can only choose the surname of your first child. All subsequent children will automatically receive the same surname. Both partners must be present for choosing the surname. The mother cannot always be present for the registration of the birth. Therefore, it is easier if you choose the name before the baby is born.
What you need to arrange depends on your own situation.
If you are married or have a registered partner
- The child will automatically be given the father's surname.
- Or the co-mother's surname. If you submit a donor declaration from the Artificial Fertilisation Donor Information Office.
- If you wish for the child to have the mother's surname, make an appointment by telephone.
If you are not married or in a registered partnership
- The child will automatically be given the mother's surname.
- If you wish for the child to have the father's surname or the co-mother's surname, the father or co-mother must first acknowledge the child.